The Aswan High Dam on the Nile River

The high Aswan Dam is primarily used for its economic functions: it regulates the Nile River, preventing flooding, regulates agriculture and produces electricity. However, it is also an original tourist attraction, the only one of its kind in Egypt.

Over 3.5 km long, and 111 m high, with a width at the base of up to 1 km, the dimensions of the Aswan High Dam are impressive. The first stage of work was completed in 1964. It was then that the water in the area of former Nubia began to accumulate, which contributed to the formation of Lake Nasser.

The construction was finally completed only in 1970. During the six years that the reservoir was slowly filling up with water, archaeologists surveyed 24 local sites. It was decided to save some of the monuments from sinking and move them to higher ground, including the temples in Abu Simbel and the Philae Temple.

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The construction of the dam, while doing a lot of good for the Egyptian economy, also caused major changes to the river's ecosystem. The dam stopped the floods of the Nile, which brought with it silt, naturally fertilizing the farmland. Currently, chemical fertilizers are used throughout the Nile Valley. The dam also regulates the water height in the river to the north of the structure, which means that some of the canals have dried up, as they are deprived of sufficient water. Its construction also disturbed the water ecosystem. Many species of fish, amphibians and reptiles as well as waterfowl have been cut off from their migratory sites in the south. Among other things, this contributed to the disappearance of crocodiles from the Nile below the High Dam of Aswan.

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Embark on a 12-day Egypt tour from Cairo to the Red Sea, starting with the Pyramid of Djoser and historic Saqqara. Explore the Giza Plateau, the Sphinx, and the Grand Pyramid of Khufu, followed by a visit to the Great Egyptian Museum. Witness Abu Simbel Temples' grandeur and cruise from Aswan to Luxor, unveiling royal tombs and temples. Luxor showcases Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. Continue to Hurghada for a Red Sea vacation, filled with marine adventures and sun-soaked beaches. Conclude the trip in Cairo with the Citadel, El-Khalili Bazaar, and a deep dive into Egypt's rich history and culture.

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This 10 day Egypt travel package vacation offers a unique tour of Egypt that is custom designed to highlight the attractions of four Egyptian cities: Cairo, Giza, Luxor, and Aswan. See the Step Pyramid, Egypt’s first pyramid; tour some of the most notable monuments on Earth at the Giza Plateau; enjoy a comfortable 4-night stay on our exquisite cruise ship as it sails down the Nile; explore ancient temples; and marvel at the stunning artifacts that chronicle a compelling history at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. You’ll enjoy all the exclusivity and luxury of our signature Egypt trip tours on a briefer timetable.

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